The new season in Finland is approaching, and GoHandball asked Finnish handball expert Robert Åberg to share his thoughts ahead of the Men’s league season. Åberg backs HIFK to lift the trophy, while expecting Elias Hagman to emerge as one of the league’s breakthrough players.
Which team will win the league and why?
– HIFK. If I had to pick one team to lift the trophy, I would go with HIFK. They combine quality, depth and continuity better than anyone else in the league. While several teams have strengthened during the off-season, HIFK feels like the side with the fewest question marks heading into the campaign. In what I expect to be a very competitive season, I trust their consistency and experience to make the difference when the biggest matches arrive.
Which players will stand out?
What interests me most is not necessarily the league’s established stars, but the players who are ready to take on bigger responsibilities within their teams. Several clubs have gone through significant changes during the off-season, and I’m curious to see who emerges as the new key figures.
Who takes over the baton at BK-46 now that Jac Karlsson and Miska Henriksson are gone?
Who steps up for Dicken if Max Granlund misses the start of the season through injury?
Will Christian Cosmo continue to be the dominant force in HIFK’s attack despite the arrival of new backcourt players?
And which of Cocks’ new signings will have the biggest impact?
The answers to those questions could have a major influence on how the top of the table eventually looks.
Which player will have their breakthrough season?
– Elias Hagman (EIF). My choice is Elias Hagman. He has already shown flashes of his talent, but I feel this could be the season when he truly establishes himself in the league. With greater responsibility and a larger role within the team, he has an excellent opportunity to take a significant step forward.
– More generally, I am very interested in following the younger generation of Finnish players. Several members of the recent national youth teams look ready for bigger roles, and I would not be surprised if we see multiple breakthrough stories before the season is over.
Which player or team could struggle to meet expectations?
– This is always the question I find hardest to answer. Rather than pointing to a specific player or team, I think the biggest challenge will be coping with expectations in what looks like an extremely balanced league. The margins between success and disappointment are often very small. A team can improve its level and still finish lower than expected simply because the competition around them has become stronger.
– If I have to name one, I’ll say Sjundeå IF. They disappointed me last year, and I’m still not completely sure what to expect from them. There is talent in the squad, but until they show more consistency, I remain somewhat cautious.
What are you looking forward to the most?
– What I look forward to most is the battle at the top of the table. HIFK, BK-46, Dicken and the new-look Cocks all have realistic ambitions of competing for the championship, which should make for a fascinating season. I expect the playoff race to remain open for a long time, with every head-to-head clash carrying real significance.
– The margins between the top teams are very small, and I would not be surprised if home-court advantage ends up being decided by just a few points. That’s the kind of season every handball supporter hopes for.